Time of the Dragon

Lilya is a servant’s servant who wishes for a better life that is of her own choosing and not at the whim of some master. One morning, just before dawn outside the forest, she is carried off to the Black Keep by a dragon. The legends that Lilya has grown up with tell stories of an evil demon who lives in this stone structure overlooking her village. He was said to take maidens for sacrifice so that he could gain his freedom.

When she awakens, she is being studied by Dain, Lord of the Keep. He senses there is something about this woman that is different from the others he has brought here. Is it possible that she could be the one to break the two hundred year old curse that is upon him? Every fifty years he has the chance to set himself free. That day is now upon him. Will he be able to do it this time?

Dain also feels other things that he has not felt in almost two centuries. Suddenly his male appetites have been sparked, and he finds himself drawn to Lilya. Visions of the two of them in a lover’s embrace have to be shaken away as he tries to focus on the task at hand. Lilya is not immune to these same feelings of desire. After a few hours with this man, she finds herself wanting to touch him and be touched by him.

This story is a fresh retelling of how love and sacrifice can not only save others around us, but free ourselves as well. Out of love, both of these people choose to sacrifice something for the other. I found the passion here to be real and not overwhelming. It just washed over me like the warmth of the sun does as it comes out from behind a cloud. Since this is a novella, it would be great to download to a PDA and read while sitting on the bus, or at your favorite coffee shop.

Reviewed by: Kathy